A former Buckley teacher has said that trying new things is the key to a happy retirement - after joining Deeside Oddfellows.

Cherryl Thomas, a 66-year-old retiree based in Buckley, joined the social group last year and has become an ardent supporter of its campaign to motivate retirees to stay connected, active and fulfilled in retirement.

After losing her husband Sean in 2017, Mrs Thomas decided to retire early from her four-decade career as a teacher.

She realised her priorities had changed and wanted to make the most of her retirement.

With a revived sense of curiosity, she started exploring opportunities to stay active and make new friends.

Planning finances and creating budgets, she facilitated a life that allowed her to explore her passions and ensure she avoided feelings of boredom and isolation.

Among her ventures, she adopted a Collie called Amber from a rescue farm, rejuvenated her love for reading, and took up playing the keyboard — something she hadn't done since she was 15.

Mrs Thomas said: "I immediately began researching ‘preparing for retirement’ and reading articles, which definitely helped.

"I am a planner by nature.

"Nothing makes me happier than writing a list and ticking things off it."

Her journey through early retirement saw her looking after her aunt whose health was deteriorating.

Her aunt died in 2022 marking a new chapter in her retirement, which for her, was about embracing everyday opportunities.

She stated: "If there was an opportunity to do something, I’d usually do it."

Invited by her sister to a weekly coffee morning run by the Deeside Oddfellows friendship group in Saltney, Mrs Thomas found a friendly and welcoming group.

"People feel safe to blossom.

"You know you’re part of a group of people who really appreciate friendship," she noted, praising the support and friendship she found within the group.

Denise Turner, branch secretary for Deeside Oddfellows, said: "Cherryl, like many other of our members, is making the most of her retirement.

"It can be hard to keep yourself motivated each day.

"It's commonplace to plan for your finances in retirement, but it's also important to make sure you look after your emotional and social needs too.

"We can definitely help with that," added Ms Turner.

The society offers an array of events, encouraging interaction and friendship amongst retirees.

Welcoming newcomers, Deeside Oddfellows also hosts online events free of charge, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility to all, alongside the walks, talks, lunches, theatre trips and days out.

Encouraging fellow retirees to engage with local groups, Cherryl said: "If you’d like to add a regular date in your diary, I’d encourage you to look up your local Oddfellows group.

"You’ll be certain of warm welcome."

The friendship group currently supports around 500 members, mainly older adults and retirees.

It forms an integral part of one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies, aimed at improving retirees’ lives through companionship and support.

Besides social gatherings, members can avail of a variety of benefits such as welfare support, access to a travel club, and opportunities to volunteer for noble causes.

For details about Deeside Oddfellows or a local events diary, get in touch with Denise at denise.turner@oddfellows.co.uk.